Energy is spread all over the city of Jo’burg – be it the combination of animated graffiti and chiceateries, the array of stores and boutiques that sing their daily tunes, or the stylista’s that trail the streets of the bustling city. There is something about this signature energy that is unparalleled anywhere else in our South Africa. All cities have their particular vibe, but none other have the Jozi vibe.

The strut of those walking the lively streets with headphones and style-in-hand, simply add to the hype. Stylista’sare everywhere, exuding a confidence with their informal trendiness, as they get more and more fueled by the energy of the city. Despite the negatives and fickleness that Jo’burg may possess, the highlighted factor of daily life is that – Individualism is embraced!

Mix sophisticated with ghetto-chic, or your bold pinks with your reds…we’re in Jo’burg…fashion is personal. Fashion is a way of life. Of course you get your hip-hop aficionados, Sandton sass divas, and your bohemian pro’s – but note that they all glide the same city streets, colouring Jo’burg with personality! The combination of Jozi’s citizenry, with all their varying styles, attitudes and dynamic vibe, is what fills the streets with these stylista’s, and elevates the city into a somewhat source of energy.

Inspired by the city, I urge you to encourage your personal attitude, vibe and style and unleash it! Feed off of the city’s energy as it will feed off of yours.

The only other suggestion I can make – not to forget to accessorize, be it your headphones, over sized Fendi bag, sneakers or vintage shades. This is Energy and The City after all.

With the closing of an epic 2010, it is now time for the fierce and fashion-forward to pave the way for those that are more timid. Most of us are intimidated by playing with our wardrobes too much, as we all know how Fashion Don’ts are thrived upon in society today. Despite this, it is clear that nothing creates more confidence and personal satisfaction than being dressed impeccably, with style that turns heads. Fashion is a living entity, encompassing everything beautiful in the world –it’s a look, a custom, and a practice – from clothing to accessories, to hairstyles, make-up choices, and lifestyle. This is why within this write-up Fashion is spelt with a capital F.

The key to it all? Embrace your personal style, and perfect it!

Statement pieces…colour…bold items…analysing trends and how they suit you…go on and embrace it! If it reflects your taste and personality, don’t be shy to add those bold-coloured leather gloves to your chic outfit in those winter days, or a key statement piece of jewellery to your fresh summer dress. Bring Fashion into your life as a permanent friend, by enjoying it and always staying true to your personality! Don’t hastily change your look and feel, but rather enjoy Fashion on your own comfort level and from there slowly begin explore the different spheres of Fashion. This way you subtly push boundaries while still looking and feeling like yourself, creating a confidence that cannot be replaced.

Here’s to 2011 – a year for being fierce, looking incredible, and constantly embracing flawless style.

When putting an outfit together, try to remember these great tips. Choose a colour that suits you, not whats in style. Have fun with it, the element of surprise is what gives it a WOW factor. If you want to make a statement with your jewelry, make sure you can be seen from across the room. Always make one item in your outfit a focus point, whether it be accessories or your gorgeous manolo blahnik shoes, make it interesting. Your style is what you interpret fashion to be. So have fun with it !

Individuals across the globe, including myself, have formed irreplaceable relationships with fashion. It is a bond like no other – with style guiding us from one day to the next, presenting a one-of-a-kind confidence. Constantly following fashion trends makes you a fashion-follower, but realising the importance of style takes the love for fashion further. Staying current and recognising the latest trends is necessary, but the key is, to develop fashion and make it work for you.

Trends come and go, from boho and sienna miller, to red lipstick and high-waisted denims. Style however, is something that develops personally, often inspired by renowned style icons. As each person is different from the next, with varying body types, proportions and colourings, following fashion trends is not always the best choice. Dress with style and intuition to compliment yourself, allowing your relationship with fashion to stay fresh and forever. This is why the world’s most renowned fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel both expressed that